Vietnamese Bread and Pastry Recipes You’ll Love

Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors and unique textures, and its range of bread and pastry recipes is no exception. From the famous Bánh mì to delightful sweet treats, there's something for everyone to savor. In this article, we’ll explore some irresistible Vietnamese bread and pastry recipes that you'll love, each rich in culture and flavor.

Bánh Mì – The Iconic Vietnamese Sandwich

Bánh mì is a beloved Vietnamese sandwich that combines French and Vietnamese influences, featuring a crispy baguette filled with various ingredients. Here’s a simple recipe to create your own delicious Bánh mì:

  • Ingredients: Baguette, pickled daikon and carrot, cilantro, jalapeños, protein (like grilled pork, chicken, or tofu), and mayonnaise.
  • Instructions:
  • 1. Start by slicing the baguette lengthwise without cutting through it completely.
  • 2. Spread a generous layer of mayonnaise on the inside.
  • 3. Add your choice of protein, followed by pickled vegetables, cilantro, and jalapeños.
  • 4. Close the baguette and enjoy your Bánh mì with a splash of hot sauce for extra flavor.

Gỏi Cuốn – Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls

Although not a bread item, Gỏi cuốn, or Vietnamese fresh spring rolls, are often served with a side of bánh mì. These vibrant rolls are light, fresh, and packed with flavor.

  • Ingredients: Rice paper wrappers, shrimp or pork, lettuce, mint, cilantro, rice vermicelli, and peanut sauce.
  • Instructions:
  • 1. Soak the rice paper in warm water until pliable.
  • 2. Place a lettuce leaf, herbs, vermicelli, and sliced protein on the wrapper.
  • 3. Roll tightly, tucking in the sides as you go.
  • 4. Serve with peanut sauce for dipping.

Banana Cake (Bánh Chuối) – A Sweet Treat

Bánh chuối is a delightful Vietnamese banana cake that’s moist and flavorful, perfect for dessert or an afternoon snack.

  • Ingredients: Ripe bananas, rice flour, coconut milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
  • Instructions:
  • 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • 2. Mash the ripe bananas in a bowl.
  • 3. In another bowl, mix the rice flour, sugar, and salt.
  • 4. Combine the dry ingredients with the mashed bananas and coconut milk to make a batter.
  • 5. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake for 30-40 minutes.
  • 6. Let it cool before slicing and serving.

Pineapple Tart (Bánh Dứa) – A Decadent Pastry

The sweet and tangy pineapple tart is a delightful pastry that’s popular in Vietnam, especially during festive occasions.

  • Ingredients: Pineapple jam, butter, sugar, flour, and egg yolks.
  • Instructions:
  • 1. Prepare the pineapple jam by cooking crushed pineapples with sugar until thickened.
  • 2. Mix butter and sugar in a bowl until creamy, then gradually add in flour and egg yolks to form a dough.
  • 3. Roll out the dough, cut into circles, and place a spoonful of pineapple jam in the center before folding over to close.
  • 4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Bánh Tét – The Traditional Sticky Rice Cake

Bánh tét is a traditional Vietnamese cake made with sticky rice and filled with mung beans and pork, wrapped in banana leaves.

  • Ingredients: Sticky rice, mung beans, pork belly, banana leaves, salt, and pepper.
  • Instructions:
  • 1. Soak